Germany issues travel warning after Istanbul explosion

The German Foreign Office has urged any of its citizens on holiday in Turkey to temporarily stay away from crowded places, public spaces and tourist attractions following the explosion in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district.

“Avoid crowds completely for the time being,” the advice to travellers reads and recommends “increased caution” when traveling to the Turkish city of Istanbul.

Earlier in the day, an explosion occurred in the central square in Istanbul’s historical center, leaving at least 10 people dead and 15 injured. According to media reports, at least six German citizens are among those injured in the blast.

Stay away from larger Turkish cities

“Late in the morning of January 12, an explosion occurred at At Meydani in downtown Istanbul. Travelers to Istanbul are strongly advised to avoid crowded public places and tourist attractions and to stay abreast of this travel advice and situation developments through the media,” the ministry’s travel notice reads.

The ministry also advised staying away from demonstrations and public gatherings, particularly in larger Turkish cities, as there is a high probability of political tension, violent conflicts, and terror attacks occurring across the country.

The travel notice called on travelers to avoid going near government and military institutions.

The German Foreign Ministry also advised against journeys to Turkey’s border with Syria and Iraq, particularly to the cities of Diyarbakir, Mardin, Cizre, Silopi and Nusaybin, and generally to the provinces of Sirnak and Hakkari.